The financial frontier between traditional markets and decentralized ecosystems is blurring faster than ever. In a landmark move, major crypto exchanges Kraken and Bybit have launched access to over 60 tokenized U.S. stocks through the xStocks platform—ushering in a new era of 24/5 digital equity trading. These blockchain-based assets represent real-world equities from industry titans like Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, now tradable around the clock with full underlying share backing.
Backed Finance, the issuer behind xStocks, ensures each token is fully collateralized—one-to-one—with actual shares held in custody. This structural integrity allows investors to gain exposure to blue-chip companies directly on blockchain networks, without sacrificing transparency or security. With integration across both centralized exchanges and Solana-based DeFi protocols such as Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino, tokenized stocks are becoming a seamless part of the digital asset landscape.
What Are Tokenized Stocks and Why Do They Matter?
Tokenized stocks are digital representations of traditional equities, issued on blockchain networks. Unlike derivatives or synthetic assets, they are backed by real shares held in regulated custodial accounts. This means every xStock token corresponds to an actual share of stock owned off-chain by the issuer.
👉 Discover how blockchain is transforming access to global equities.
This innovation bridges two worlds: the stability and performance of established public companies with the speed, accessibility, and programmability of decentralized finance. Key benefits include:
- 24/5 trading: Unlike traditional markets that close after hours or on weekends, tokenized stocks trade nearly nonstop.
- Global access: Investors from regions with limited market access can now participate in U.S. equities.
- Lower friction: No need for brokerage accounts, KYC duplication, or cross-border transfer delays.
- DeFi integration: Use stock tokens as collateral, provide liquidity, or earn yield within decentralized protocols.
With regulatory compliance frameworks like MiFID II guiding issuance, these assets are designed not just for crypto natives but also for institutional and retail investors seeking compliant, innovative entry points into equity markets.
Kraken Expands Access with Zero-Fee Tokenized Stock Trading
Kraken has long been a leader in regulated crypto trading, and its adoption of xStocks reinforces its commitment to bridging traditional finance (TradFi) with Web3 innovation. The exchange now supports real-time trading of tokenized U.S. stocks with no commission fees—a significant advantage for active traders and long-term holders alike.
By leveraging blockchain technology, Kraken eliminates traditional barriers such as market hours and geographic restrictions. Traders can buy or sell shares of Apple or Tesla at any time during the week, mirroring the continuous nature of cryptocurrency markets while maintaining alignment with underlying asset values.
Importantly, Kraken emphasizes compliance and security. Each tokenized stock is backed by real shares held in regulated custody, ensuring transparency and investor protection. The platform’s familiar interface makes it easy for users already comfortable with crypto trading to transition into digital equities without a steep learning curve.
This move positions Kraken as a pioneer in hybrid financial services—offering not just crypto but real-world asset exposure in a secure, scalable environment.
Bybit Brings Tokenized Stocks to TradFi and Byreal Users
As the second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, Bybit has made a strategic push into hybrid finance with the integration of xStocks across its TradFi and Byreal platforms. These services are specifically designed to merge the efficiency of blockchain with the reliability of traditional financial instruments.
Over 60 tokenized stocks are now available on-chain, featuring instant settlement and clear audit trails. Bybit has confirmed that each asset is transparently backed, with plans underway to support dividend distribution in the future—a crucial step toward full parity with conventional stock ownership.
Notably, Bybit’s implementation aligns with MiFID II regulations, enhancing trust and accessibility for European users who demand regulatory clarity when investing in digital assets. This compliance-focused approach allows Bybit to serve a broader audience while maintaining high standards of operational integrity.
Users benefit from a unified experience: manage crypto portfolios alongside tokenized equities, all within a single platform that supports fast execution, deep liquidity, and cross-market strategies.
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Solana DeFi Embraces Tokenized Equities
The true power of tokenized stocks emerges when they enter decentralized finance—and Solana’s DeFi ecosystem is leading the charge. Through full integration with xStocks, protocols like Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino now allow users to trade, swap, and provide liquidity using tokenized U.S. stocks.
Imagine earning yield on your Tesla position by supplying liquidity to a decentralized exchange pool—or using your Microsoft tokens as collateral to borrow stablecoins. These use cases were once theoretical; today, they’re live on Solana.
Users can interact with xStocks through popular wallets like Phantom, viewing balances and initiating transactions directly from their DeFi interfaces. While full functionality rolls out gradually, early adopters already have access to advanced trading strategies that blend traditional equity exposure with DeFi’s composability.
This integration marks a turning point: stock markets are no longer siloed within centralized institutions. They’re becoming programmable components of an open financial system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are tokenized stocks legally backed by real shares?
A: Yes. Each xStock is backed 1:1 by actual shares held in regulated custody by Backed Finance, ensuring full asset backing and transparency.
Q: Can I receive dividends from tokenized stocks?
A: Dividend distribution is under active development. Bybit has publicly stated it's evaluating mechanisms to deliver dividends to token holders in the near future.
Q: Is trading tokenized stocks available worldwide?
A: Availability varies by region due to regulatory requirements. However, platforms like Bybit ensure compliance with frameworks like MiFID II to support broader global access.
Q: How does 24/5 trading work if stock markets are closed?
A: While traditional exchanges operate on fixed schedules, tokenized stocks reflect market prices via oracles and trading activity during off-hours, allowing continuous price discovery.
Q: Can I use tokenized stocks in DeFi protocols?
A: Absolutely. On Solana, xStocks are integrated with Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino—enabling swaps, liquidity provision, and collateral usage in lending markets.
Q: Are there fees for trading tokenized stocks?
A: Kraken offers zero-commission trading for xStocks. Other platforms may apply standard trading fees; always check individual platform policies.
The Future of Digital Equity Is Here
The launch of over 60 tokenized U.S. stocks on Kraken, Bybit, and Solana DeFi platforms represents more than a technical upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift in how people access capital markets. With core keywords like tokenized stocks, xStocks, Solana DeFi, Kraken, Bybit, blockchain equities, 24/5 trading, and real-world asset tokenization defining this evolution, the momentum is undeniable.
As more investors seek borderless, efficient ways to engage with global equities, platforms enabling seamless TradFi-to-DeFi transitions will lead the next wave of financial innovation.
👉 Explore the future of asset tokenization and digital ownership today.